Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

Joseph of Copertino (1603 – 63) should be the patron saint of all awkward people who mean well, but who drive those around them to distraction – especially their church leaders. Joseph began life in a garden shed, because his father had sold the house to pay debts.  Then he grew up wandering about open-mouthed...

Saint Matthew the tax collector From the Vicar Spiritual Disciplines: Service Reflecting faith – pews and chairs     The divine Gardener God can use everything we give Him The importance in having a cause greater than yourself Don’t chase what isn’t there Feel the tug A grain of sand at a time ** Editor:  Canon Paul...

Theodore had several things in common with Justin Welby: despite living in troubled times, and in the aftermath of a severe national plague, he made extensive tours of his archbishopric, spoke at many Synods, and worked tirelessly to unite the bickering factions of the Church in England. But, unlike Justin Welby, Theodore did not start...

Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the king.  1 Peter 2:17 I sometimes wonder about the customer being right, when I am told off in shops for not doing what they want or even just asking question. Perhaps it is just me. The full phrase is “Rule number...

I’ve been writing Christian comment columns for newspapers and radio for more than 30 years – but I had a shock when I asked an artificial intelligence computer programme to write one for me. The question that I posed was simple. Could an AI programme produce a column that would match up to one penned...

Church of England announces £13 million of grants Children must not wait until 18 to learn about racial justice General Synod backs regional wedding fees trial following debate General Synod calls on Church and Government to move faster on climate emergency New safeguarding practice review policy approved  Parish ‘at very heart’ of God’s mission, General...

Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. (Matthew 9:9).  This month we remember Matthew’s call as one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. It consisted of a simple invitation, ‘Follow me’, and an immediately response. The resulting meal at Matthew’s...

Marvel. Marvel every time you see a child learning to walk and speak at the same time.  Share in their delight.  Wonder at the dawn of each new season: sunshine and shadows, falling leaves, frost, sudden new growth. You are still alive to take it all in. That’s an unexpected bonus. Appreciate. Have a look...

Awards of nearly £13 million have been made for dioceses to help churches reach more children, young people and families, from toddler groups to apprentice youth ministers. These come as the latest round of grants for mission from the Church of England. The grants from the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board of the Archbishops’...

Diffusing essential oils into our homes is nothing new – the ancient Greeks used reeds dipped in essential oils in both their homes and temples. And diffusing essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus or rose is still popular today, helping us to relax and feel tranquil. If you would like to ‘have a go’, there are...

Nigel Genders, The Church of England’s Chief Education Officer, has responded to recent reports around teaching resources for Racial Justice. He said: “Contrary to the reports, there is no single approach to addressing racial justice in Church of England schools. “Decisions on the best resources for different age groups and contexts are taken by each...

 Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. (Matthew 9:9). This month we remember Matthew’s call as one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. It consisted of a simple invitation, ‘Follow me’, and an immediately response. The resulting meal at Matthew’s...